In the Financial Minister's residence.
Aurelia sat in the drawing room with her mother, sipping tea from delicate porcelain cups. The warm sunlight streaming through the windows highlighted the intricate patterns on the tea set, and the scent of jasmine wafted through the air.
As they chatted, a servant entered the room, bowing slightly. "Lady Mother, an invitation has arrived from the Imperial Palace."
Aurelia's mother set her cup down, her eyes lighting up with interest. "Ah, how intriguing. Bring it to me, please."
The servant handed her a beautifully crafted envelope, adorned with the Imperial seal.
Aurelia's mother opened it, her eyes scanning the contents.
"It's an invitation to a ball, to be held in three days' time. The Emperor is honoring General Ryker's victory, and we're invited to attend."
Aurelia's expression turned thoughtful, a flicker of interest crossing her face as she heard the general's name. She remembered their last encounter, and a hint of curiosity sparked within her. "A ball at the palace sounds like a lovely opportunity, Mother. I should like to attend."
Her mother smiled, nodding. "Indeed, dear. I'll speak with Lianna's mother about it. We'll need to find a dress that fits for the Imperial Palace. Let's plan for Lianna to accompany you to the market tomorrow. We'll need to move quickly, given the short notice."
Aurelia nodded graciously, her face serene, but her mind already turning to the possibility of seeing General Ryker again. "Yes, Mother." "I'll make sure to find a suitable dress."
....
The Next Day ...
As the carriage rattled along the cobblestone streets, Aurelia sat across from her friend Lianna. Lianne was her childhood friend. They have been friends since they were little. Aurelia's stay in Edistone did not affect their friendship as they stayed in touch over the years, always exchanging letters regularly.
"Did your family get the invitation to the ball from the palace?" Aurelia asked.
"Yessss!"
"I'm so excited," Lianne replied, almost screaming.
"I do hope we see some eligible young men there," Lianna said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I'm seventeen now, and Mother is starting to hint that it's time for me to consider marriage."
Aurelia smiled, knowing that Lianna's mother had indeed been dropping hints about finding a suitable husband for her daughter. For ladies, sixteen was the legal age for marriage in Eldoria and eighteen for men.
"I'm sure you'll make a lovely impression at the ball, Lianna," she said. "And who knows, maybe you'll meet someone special."
Lianna's face lit up with hope. "I do hope so. I've heard that the Emperor's court is full of handsome and eligible young men. Maybe I'll catch the eye of a noble or a prince."
Aurelia chuckled, amused by her friend's romantic notions. "You never know, Lianna, stranger things have happened," she said, encouraging her friend.
"What about you? Are your parents not looking for a suitable man for you?"
"Surely, there must be a gazillion proposals for you per day, giving your unparalleled beauty and elegance." Lianne inquired frankly.
She always knew Aurelia would grow up to be a dazzling beauty, not that Lianna herself was not beautiful. In fact, Lianna was also famous for her beauty.
"There is no rush, Lianna. I haven't even been around for a week. It would be way too soon for them to mention it. However, I know they are only giving me time to settle in."
"Surely, after my coming of age ceremony, which was delayed because I was in Edistone, I know they will definitely bring it up.", Aurelia replied.
The official coming of age ceremony is held when a girl becomes sixteen, ushering her into womanhood. However, Aurelia could not celebrate hers because it is illegal for the ceremony to be held anywhere except the girl's parents' residence.
Aurelia would be eighteen in September, next month, and she would be having her ceremony on her birthday.
"That's true! It would be fabulous. Have you contacted a designer for your dress? I recommend Sisi Stella! Although she chooses who she designs for, she is so good at what she does. But I am certain she will choose you. I mean..who wouldn't?", Lianna said, sounding overexcited.
Aurelia laughed, amused by how dramatic her friend was sometimes, one of the many things she liked about Lianna.
"Sisi Stella sounds amazing, you mean she really chooses who she sees for?"
"Yes, she does. Many noble ladies have tried to bribe her to design dresses for them, but they are usually very unlucky. Ladies who wear her design not only look out of this world, but also feel out of this world," Lianna added.
"Wow. She sounds very interesting. I'll tell my mother about her. Let's see if I'd be graced enough to be chosen by her," Aurelia said, honestly anticipating meeting the designer. She always liked women who were good at their trade, women who were not scared to defy irrational norms.
"Please be sure to inform me when you want to visit her shop so I can tag along." Lianna pouted, her face was looking like it interpreted 'pretty please'.
Aurelia laughed, "Of course, Your Grace, this subject will inform you when the time comes. Now, let's focus on finding the perfect dress for the ball."
"Yes ma'am!", Lianna said, saluting her. Aurelia shakes her head, laughing at the mischief of her friend.
The carriage pulled up to a bustling market square, filled with vendors selling everything from fine silks to exquisite jewelry. Aurelia and Lianna stepped out of the carriage, ready to begin their search for the perfect ball gowns.
As Aurelia and Lianna navigated the crowded market stalls, they came across a noble lady who seemed to radiate an air of superiority. Lady Victoria, the daughter of the Chief Counsellor, a woman notorious for her sharp tongue and haughty demeanor.
Lady Victoria's eyes landed on Aurelia, who was still wearing her veiled hat, and her gaze narrowed slightly. "And who might you be?" she asked Lianna, her tone imperious. "I don't believe I've seen your friend around court before."
Lianna, accustomed to dealing with nobles, smiled politely. "This is Lady Aurelia, a dear friend of mine, we're here to find dresses for the upcoming ball."
Lady Victoria's attention snapped back to Aurelia, her eyes lingering on the veil that obscured her face. "A pleasure, I'm sure," she said, her tone dripping with insincerity.
"I must say, I'm particularly excited about the ball myself. I'm confident that General Ryker will be smitten with me. After all, we're practically destined to be together."
Aurelia raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Lady Victoria's audacity. "Is that so?" she said, her voice neutral. "I'm sure General Ryker will be... flattered by your interest."
Lady Victoria smiled, seemingly oblivious to Aurelia's skepticism. "Oh, it's not just interest, my dear. I'm convinced that we're meant to be. And I'm sure he'll propose to me at the ball. Mark my words."
"You have our best wishes. If you'll excuse us, please. We still have a lot to buy.", Aurelia told her politely. She disliked dealing with rude people and people who thought they were better than others because of their status.
"Of course, you may leave. I guess I'll see you ladies at the ball.", she replied, almost like she owned the market.
After they had a short distance away from her, Lianna sighed in frustration, saying, "I don't believe in hating people, but lady Victoria always tests that belief."
"Who was that?" Aurelia asked.
"That was lady Victoria, the Chief Counselor's daughter. She thinks because her father has a high rank in the Emperor's court, she owns the world. She is so arrogant and unkind. Can you believe she is twenty and still unmarried? She keeps chasing her suitors away with her rude personality, going all around the city threatening girls that fancy General Ryker. She has this delusion that His Highness is hers, and she will one day be his princess. The funny thing is, she has never met him in person! "Isn't that hilarious?", Lianna said, laughing at her last statement.
"I'm not surprised. She screams 'hi, I'm drama. Avoid me," Aurelia said, joining Lianna in her laughter.
The two beautiful ladies were able to get dressed as they liked and bid each other bye.
....
The Financial Minister's Residence
The family gathered around the breakfast table, enjoying the warm morning light streaming through the windows.
Aurelia's mother, sipping her tea, turned to her daughter with a smile. "Did you and Lianna find a suitable dress for the ball?"
Aurelia nodded, taking a bite of her toast. "Yes, Mother. We found some lovely options. I'm excited to wear one of them to the ball."
Her father, Lord Kevin, set down his cup, his expression thoughtful.
"Speaking of upcoming events, Aurelia, your coming of age ceremony is next month, on your eighteenth birthday. We should start making plans for that."
Aurelia's mother nodded in agreement. "Yes, dear. It's a significant milestone. Would you like something special to happen on that day? Perhaps a particular gift or celebration?"
Aurelia considered the question, her brow furrowed in thought. "I'm not sure, Father. Mother. What do you think would be fitting?"
Her father leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with interest. "Well, we could host a grand ball, or perhaps a more intimate family gathering. Or if there's something specific you've been wanting, now's the time to ask."
Aurelia's mother added, "And as for gifts, is there something particular that catches your eye? A piece of jewelry, perhaps, or a special item?"
Aurelia's eyes lit up with excitement as she thought about her friend Lianna's recommendation. "Mother, I've been thinking... Lianna told me about a designer, Sisi Stella, who's supposed to be incredibly talented. She's very selective about her clients, but Lianna says she's worth the effort. Would it be possible for us to visit her shop and see if she'd be interested in designing a dress for my coming of age ceremony?"
Her mother's expression turned thoughtful, and she nodded. "Sisi Stella, yes, I've heard of her. She's quite exclusive, but if she's as good as everyone says, it might be worth a try. I'll send a message to her shop and see if she's willing to meet with us."
Aurelia's face broke into a hopeful smile. "That would be wonderful, Mother. I would love to have a dress designed by her. She's supposed to be a master of her craft."
Her mother smiled back, pleased with Aurelia's enthusiasm. "Very well, dear. Let's see if Sisi Stella is interested in taking on your project. If she is, I'm sure she'll create something truly special for you."
Her father rose up from his chair, "I have to leave for the palace now for a court meeting which would hold this morning and His Majesty does not condone lateness."
"I'll see you lovely ladies later." He gave her mother a quick kiss on her lips, "See you later, love". Her mom blushed, waving bye to him.
Aurelia smiled at their little exchange. She always admired her parents' relationship, hoping for one like it for herself.